In Memoriam: Rev. Lee Koning

Lee Koning, 67, a person and preacher of grace, was well-versed in every area of ministry and a thoughtful observer of life and relationships. He passed away on October 4 following a 19-month battle with cancer.

Koning was born in Muskegon, Mich., and attended Christian schools in Holland. He graduated from Calvin College and earned a a B.Div. degree from Calvin Theological Seminary in 1973. He earned a D.Min. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill.

Koning served the following Christian Reformed congregations: Plymouth Heights CRC, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Fuller CRC, Grand Rapids, Mich.; and Faith CRC, Elmhurst, Ill. He retired in 2009.

Although he related genuinely and sincerely with people of all ages, Koning was especially drawn to children and the elderly. He was a warm and loving pastor. Fellow pastors saw in him a friend and mentor. He was an earnest student of the Scriptures and was widely read, preaching with conviction and clarity. His parishioners often felt that his sermons spoke directly and personally to them.

Koning lived life to the full. His hobbies included astronomy, fly fishing, golf, tennis, science, and bird watching. He was an observer of the mysteries of nature. He played organ and piano well. To children and many others he was an imaginative storyteller.

Koning is survived by his wife, Patricia, their children David and Desirae Koning, Susan and Brian Isenhoff, and seven grandchildren.